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The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has intensified its digital transformation efforts in Bukidnon, launching a province-wide information drive to modernize tax services and make compliance more accessible to taxpayers.

The campaign, spearheaded by BIR District Office No. 99, opened in Valencia City on September 2 and continued in Malaybalay on October 2.

It will move to Manolo Fortich on October 16, with a major provincial rollout at the Kaamulan Open Theater in November.

Discussions focused on the taxability of job order and contract of service workers, the use of eBIRForms, and the cleansing of open cases.

Tax clinics and open forums were also held to provide hands-on support and gather feedback from participants.

Revenue district officer Mampay Pangcoga said the initiative is part of BIR’s nationwide digitalization program, which seeks to improve efficiency, transparency, and taxpayer experience through modern, customer-centric services.

‘This initiative empowers employees, entrepreneurs, and small taxpayers to embrace digital services, making compliance less burdensome while strengthening trust in government systems,’ Pangcoga said.

American singer-songwriter David Pomeranz has nothing but good words for Filipinos, admiring how they ‘carry with them their love for humanity all the time.’

The ‘Got to Believe in Magic’ artist spoke about this after he attended a fundraising event for Philippine Nurses Association in the United States, as per a video shared on his Facebook page on Monday, Oct. 6.

‘A couple of nights ago, I played in Maryland at a fundraiser for Philippine Nurses Association, and had a ball. But what blows my mind every time I play for Filipinos is how they walk the walk,’ he said.

‘They’re very, very-yes, many are very religious and such, but they carry their religion or the love for humanity with them all the time,’ he explained.

Pomeranz pointed out how most Filipinos would often be nurses, doctors or caregivers.

‘They help, help, help, help, help. And they’re so funny and so delightful and sweet,’ he added. ‘And if you know them, you’ll know what I mean. They’re gorgeous, gorgeous people.’

The singer also credited Filipinos for being a part of his career. ‘I love Filipinos. You’ve given me so much in my life, added so much to my life.’

Pomeranz has visited and performed in the Philippines several times before, even holding a benefit show in 2013 for the victims of the supertyphoon ‘Yolanda.’

During one of his visits, the singer said he is in love with the country and that he feels welcome and safe here.

Pomeranz is best known for his hits ‘King and Queen of Hearts,’ ‘On This Day,’ ‘Born For You,’ and ‘Until I Fall In Love Again,’ among others.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) marked a key milestone in Western Visayas with the final topping-off of its buildings at its residential community in Jaro, Glade Residences. The ceremony signals the completion of the structural phase and the start of interior and finishing works, bringing the community closer to welcoming its first homeowners.

Once complete, the four-storey mid-rise development will offer nearly 2,000 thoughtfully designed homes, complemented by a full suite of amenities that support a well balanced lifestyle. Future residents will have access to landscaped gardens and open-air spaces for relaxation, swimming pools for leisure, a covered basketball court and play areas for active living, and function rooms that serve as venues for gatherings and milestones.=

Strategically located in Jaro, Glade Residences places homeowners at the center of Iloilo’s growth. This historic district is gearing up to be the next corridor of progress for the city – and SM has long been a first mover, setting the pace for development in areas with untapped potential. The community is minutes away from schools, hospitals, transport hubs, and the upcoming SM City Jaro expansion nearby. Its direct link to the Iloilo Circumferential Road ensures seamless access to workplaces, commercial districts, heritage landmarks and leisure destinations.

The development’s design brings together comfort and convenience in a way that fits the Iloilo lifestyle. With its nature-inspired touches, generous community spaces, and proximity to daily essentials, Glade Residences offers an environment where families can grow, professionals can recharge, and neighbors can connect.

The topping-off of the buildings signals the completion of vertical works and transitions the project into its finishing stages. This phase will focus on interiors, amenity installations, and landscaping to prepare for turnover.

SMDC Glade Residences stands as a testament to how modern developments can seamlessly blend accessibility, comfort, and community in one highly sought-after address in Iloilo.

The government was able to raise its target amount of long-dated local debt on Tuesday’s dual Treasury bond sale, as yields fell below benchmarks.

The Bureau of the Treasury borrowed P15 billion via reissued T-bonds, which have a remaining life of two years and six months.

Demand for the debt paper reached P34.4 billion, exceeding the original offer size by 2.3 times.

In turn, the T-bond fetched an average rate of 5.698 percent, lower than the prevailing three-year benchmark and the average rate when it was last reissued in July.

The Treasury also raised P20 billion via 10-year T-bond, which was oversubscribed by 2.2 times after demand hit P43.5 billion.

The average rate for the security stood at 6.043 percent, lower than the prevailing 10-year benchmark.

Choco Mucho spoiled Bella Belen’s much-awaited PVL debut after sweeping Choco Mucho, 33-31, 26-24, 25-23, to kick off its Reinforced Conference campaign on a high note on Tuesday night at Ynares Center Montalban.

The Flying Titans flaunted their depth, as a revitalized Kat Tolentino, who missed the All-Filipino action and preseason due to appendicitis, gave them a big lift with 15 points off 12 kills, two blocks, and an ace. The veteran opposite spiker also had 11 digs.

Just like in the first game, Choco Mucho and Capital1 played without their imports after the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PNVF) failed to release the International Transfer Certificates (ITCs) in time for the opener.

‘It was a great win because, like I always say, when our team is complete, we can do a lot. We have a lot of players we can rely on. In this game, we really saw how everyone helped each other. That’s what got us the win,’ said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin.

‘Even though we struggled with our receiving at first, we still managed to execute what we wanted to do on the court. Everything just started to connect. Whoever came in really stepped up and performed.’

The Flying Titans squandered a 15-10 lead in the third, as the Solar Spikers took a 22-21 advantage.

Choco Mucho, however, regrouped behind Maddie Madayag, who was fresh from a Japan SV.League and Alas Pilipinas stints. Madayag drilled back-to-back blocks to highlight the Flying Titans’ closing 4-1 spurt.

Isa Molde added 14 points, Lorraine Pecana had eight points, Des Cheng had seven points and 11 excellent receptions, while Deanna Wong had 22 excellent sets as the Flying Titans’ collective effort overcame Belen’s strong opening showing.

Belen, a three-time UAAP champion and MVP out of National University, showed why she’s the top overall pick with a game-high 20 points, 19 coming off kills on top of 18 digs and 12 receptions.

Her Alas teammate Leila Cruz backstopped her with 18 points.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said President Marcos directed the agency to ensure that all of the transactions in digital infrastructure would be safe on Christmas.

‘Our aspiration this holiday season is that when Filipinos make online transactions-especially now that the use of credit cards and digital payments are high-we can do so with confidence and peace of mind,’ he added.

According to Aguda, among their priority programs to protect online transactions is to completely shut down the unsecured 3G and 2G networks in the country, which are being exploited by criminals to send phishing or scam texts to steal personal information of victims.

Mobile network companies Smart Communications, Globe Telecom and DITO Telecommunity phased out their 3G network connectivity in September, with the National Telecommunications Commission just awaiting confirmation that they completely shut down.

However, switching off the 2G signal in the entire country would take some time.

Aguda said the DICT was still planning the transition because around 10 million Filipinos, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), still rely on 2G for voice calls and text messages.

‘It’s not a problem there since people in GIDAs don’t usually use credit cards or online payments. The real issue is the continued use of 2G in malls and in cities such as those in Metro Manila. that’s where it becomes risky,’ he explained.

Vulnerable to phishing

According to Aguda, 2G networks expose mobile point-of-service (POS) systems to phishing scams because they lack modern encryption, mutual authentication and security protocols, which make it easier for cyber attackers to hack data transmitted over these networks.

‘The public should be careful in using mobile POS systems that still rely on 2G connectivity because the signals from these can be intercepted by devices called stingers or IMSI catchers,’ he said.

An IMSI catcher works like a fake cell tower and can capture 2G or 3G signals.

Because 2G and 3G do not always verify network authenticity, the POS device might connect unknowingly to the IMSI catcher.

Once connected, hackers can inject phishing messages, or steal login credentials, including card information and transaction details.

‘You might think a message is coming from your bank or the government, but it’s actually been altered by scammers pretending to be legitimate senders,’ Aguda said.

‘I already told telecommunication companies that if they cannot completely phase out 2G yet, they should at least replace it in malls and other areas where online payments and credit card use are high,’ he added.

The DICT and the major telcos in the country made their commitment to fully support the Global Anti-Scam Alliance’s (GASA) international campaign to combat the growing threat of online scams, following a high-level meeting with global industry leaders in August.

Aguda met with officials of GASA and the GSM Association (GSMA) to discuss stronger cross-border cooperation and knowledge-sharing in tackling cyber-enabled crimes.

The meeting underscored the Philippines’ commitment to join worldwide efforts against online fraud.

Aguda also encouraged Filipinos who fell victims to online scams to file a complaint at DICT’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) national anti-scam hotline 1326, or to its email address [email protected].

According to the CICC, cybercrime complaints filed with their office grew three times to 10,004 in 2024, from 3,3317 complaints in 2023.

Three lawmakers have filed a bill seeking to make discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC) a punishable offense.

House Bill No. 5266, or the SOGIESC Equality Act-filed by Reps. Brian Poe of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan party list, Ryan Recto of Batangas’ 6th District, and Javier Miguel Benitez of Negros Occidental’s 3rd District lay down clear prohibitions and penalties against discrimination in workplaces, schools, public offices, and all sectors of society. It mandates government and private institutions to establish grievance mechanisms and diversity programs, ensuring that respect and equal treatment are enforced-not just preached.

‘Equal protection under the law must be more than rhetoric,’ said Poe. ‘Discrimination is not a cultural issue-it’s a legal one. We’re legislating accountability where it’s long been missing.’

Recto added that the measure addresses a ‘long-standing vacuum’ in national policy. ‘For years, people have faced bias and exclusion without any real legal recourse. This bill ends that gap and puts the law squarely on the side of fairness.’

Benitez described the measure as part of a broader effort to modernize and humanize Philippine governance. ‘Our generation of lawmakers is not afraid to tackle issues older politicians have avoided. Equality and justice are non-negotiable.’

The proposed law codifies penalties ranging from P100,000 to P500,000 in fines and one to 12 years of imprisonment for discriminatory acts. It also empowers agencies such as the Commission on Human Rights, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Civil Service Commission to investigate and sanction offenders.

The SOGIESC Equality Act marks a renewed push for national legislation after two decades of stalled attempts. While several local governments have enacted anti-discrimination ordinances, the absence of a comprehensive national law has left millions of Filipinos unprotected.

‘Passing this bill is not just about inclusion-it’s about asserting that every Filipino, regardless of background or identity, stands equal before the law,’ Poe emphasized.

The authors vowed to push the measure through committee hearings and plenary debates, calling on their colleagues to back a law that enforces one of the Constitution’s most fundamental guarantees: equality before the law.

‘This is not about political correctness,’ Benitez said. ‘It’s about political courage.’

ZUS Coffee eked out a come-from-behind 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 26-24, 15-7 win to stun last year’s runner-up Akari in an all-Filipino duel in the PVL Reinforced Conference opener on Tuesday at Ynares Center Montalban here.

With both squads forced to turn to their locals as the league and its foreign guest players await the International Transfer Certificates (ITCs) allegedly withheld by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the Thunderbelles’ third-round pick Riza Nogales shone the brightest with 15 points, highlighted by five blocks.

Down 6-7 to start the fifth set, the Thunderbelles scored nine unanswered points, capped by Nogales’ timely hits and Fiola Ceballos’ two crucial aces to complete the comeback in the two-hour and 32-minute match.

‘We weren’t super prepared, but it’s okay. Like the players said, we’re always training and trying different combinations. And it’s not like the combos were new they’ve played together before. In recent practices, of course, we trained with the import, but given the situation, they couldn’t play yet. So we just went out there and played,’ said ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee, whose squad missed the services of American reinforcement Anna DeBeer.

Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chinnie Arroyo backstopped Nogales with 14 points each, while Ceballos and Kate Santiago added 13 and 11, respectively.

AC Miner also stepped up with 10 points, including the back-to-back hits in the extended fourth, to force a decider. Setter Clo Mondoñedo dished out 28 excellent sets, while libero Alyssa Eroa delivered 22 digs and 21 excellent receptions.

‘Even though we prepared with Anna, and it would’ve been better if she was there so we’d be complete, we still gave it our all today,’ said Miner.

Eli Soyud led Akari, which also has to wait for the debut of its import Annie Mitchem, with 22 points.

Chargers rookie Chennie Tagaod’s 18-point Reinforced debut went for naught, as well as the efforts of Alas players Fifi Sharma and Justine Jazareno. Sharma registered 13 points, including four blocks, while Jazareno recorded 32 digs. Mars Alba tallied 24 excellent sets in her debut for Akari.

Enrique Iglesias expressed his love for his Filipino-Spanish mom, Isabel Preysler, as she is set to release her autobiography entitled ‘Isabel Preysler: Mi Verdadera Historia (My True Story)’ on October 22.

The Latin singer-songwriter took to his Instagram account on Thursday, Oct. 2, to congratulate his mother on her recent milestone, while posting a photo of them when they were younger.

Isabel is the daughter of Carlos Preysler, the executive director of the then-Philippine Air Lines (now Philippine Airlines), and Maria Beatriz Arrastía, who is a real estate owner. She is the third of six children.

‘Congratulations to my mom on her autobiography. What an incredible life,’ he captioned his post.

Iglesias’ post was commended by his followers in the comments, including TV presenter Kim Atienza, who described Preysler as ‘one of the most beautiful Pinays.’

According to Preysler, her autobiography is her ‘most personal project’ to date, which will cover the different chapters of her life.

‘In this autobiography, I will explore the different chapters of my life – from my childhood in the Philippines to my life in the present. For the first time, I will share some of my most intimate memories. I hope you’ll all enjoy reading it,’ she wrote in Spanish.

Iglesias is the son of Preysler and Spanish singer Julio Iglesias. He is also the brother of Latin singer-heartthrob Julio Iglesias Jr.

The singer-songwriter is best known for his hit tracks ‘Bailamos,’ ‘I Like It,’ and ‘Hero,’ to name a few.

To shorten the distance commuters walk to the nearest Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) station, buses going to Sapang Palay village in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to SM Fairview in Novaliches village, Quezon City will be allowed to pick up and drop off passengers along NIA Road during rush hours.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) acting chief Giovanni Lopez ordered the issuance of 268 permits for buses from the Sayang Palay-Fairview route to pass by the NIA Road.

Starting this month, DOTr said they will be allowed to ply the area from 4-8 a.m. and 5-8 p.m.

The DOTr gave permits to these buses with routes looping from Sapang Palay or SM Fairview, passing through Commonwealth Avenue, East Avenue, Internal Road, NIA Road and vice versa.

‘This needs to be done so that the passengers will not walk a long distance, especially those transferring going to MRT-3,’ Lopez said in a statement in Filipino.

The MRT-3 Quezon Avenue Station is about a kilometer away from NIA Road.

‘The long walk just to get on the bus is hard for passengers and is especially hard for seniors and PWDs. That’s why the bus stop should be closer to the MRT so they can easily transfer,’ he also said.

Despite being allowed to solicit and drop off passengers there, DOTr said buses will neither be allowed to stay in the area for too long nor are they allowed to turn it into a terminal.

Lopez also ordered the deployment of four personnel each from the Philippine Coast Guard and Land Transportation Office to ensure that the buses will only stay along NIA Road for less than three minutes.

Meanwhile, DOTr said the assessment in the coming months will decide if the scheme will be stopped or will continue.